Montana
Fly Fishing - Frequently Asked Questions
What is your cancellation policy?
Dome Mountain Ranch offers a 30 day cancellation policy. Any cancellations prior to this time will offer a full refund. Fully Guided Float trips cancelled after 30 days prior to trip dates will require ½ cost of the deposit to be retained by Dome Mountain Ranch.
What is a “typical stay” like with Dome Mountain Ranch?
Most guests stay with us for at least 3 days. For those who travel from the east, longer stays are often required to fully appreciate all the area has to offer. With Yellowstone Park being right next door a day or more sightseeing or fishing should be a part of your itinerary. The convenience of hearty meals and economical lodging has made Dome Mountain Lodge and cabins an ideal choice for both the avid fly fishing enthusiast as well as a base camp for those looking to enjoy a multitude of other Montana adventures. Our location along the river is as good as it gets. Many guests rarely leave the general ranch area with plenty of easily accessed fishing, a ton of wildlife and a most pleasant, professional staff.
Should I rent a vehicle if I arrive by air travel?
We highly suggest an economical vehicle rental to allow you and your family or group to explore the local area for sight seeing, fishing and much more. Although many guests enjoy the quiet refuge of the main lodge, day trips to Yellowstone Park, local towns and attractions can always add a great deal to your adventure.
How much is a fishing license?
Montana Fishing licenses can be obtained prior to your arrival online or at most local retail sporting goods stores, gas stations and other stops on your way to the ranch. To obtain your fishing license on line, visit our links page or go to www.fwp.mt.state.us.gov
What about additional expenses?
Most guests will enjoy the variety of gift shops and local flavor both at the main lodge and local surrounding towns. Souvenirs can be anything from some ball caps and t-shirts to incredible works of art and photos.
What if I have never fly fished before?
That’s an easy one! One thing you can count on is some excellent hands on instruction and honest down home personalized attention. The staff at Dome Mountain Ranch offer highly professionalized instruction abilities and well help you get to a level where you can begin the life long pursuit of fly fishing. We also offer gear and plenty of room to roam and hone your skills.
When is the ‘best’ time to fish?
Our answer of course is anytime you are near some water. However, since the Yellowstone is longest free flowing fresh water river in the world, weather and spring run off can play a role. Early spring in April and May offers some great fishing with limited or virtually no crowds. Often during this time the only boats on the water are ours. Around June, the weather warms and the “run off” begins, often the Yellowstone will swell to flood like conditions, however local spring creeks and high mountain lakes also begin to “come alive” during this time. Another secret is where to find large, spawning Cut Throats and Rainbows, this information of course only obtained from within the hallowed walls of the main lodge. July through September can offer incredible fishing and mild weather. We are just far enough from Yellowstone Park that the tourist crowds are not an issue, so solitude is often right out your back door.
What Gear should I have?
Many fishers arrive at the main lodge with little or no gear. We have a fairly complete fly shop with enough rental equipment to get you started. However, most fly fishers will have a rod, waders and fly boxes, with a good pair of polarized fishing glasses. Additional items such as tippets, leaders, flies, etc., are all available in the fly shop. If the cold waters are going to be an issue for you, it is best to bring your own waders and wading shoes since matching comfortable shoe sizes is difficult. There again, remember that much of the best fishing is along the edges of the river, so often you will not even have to get your feet wet!
What should I wear?
The weather in southwest Montana can change by the hour. During spring from April to mid-June the weather can be chilly in the early mornings, then warm comfortably by the afternoon. On other days, a snow shower can occur right along with the sunny day. As summer arrives, our arid atmosphere is very comfortable well into September. If you plan to spend lots of time outdoors layers of wind and waterproof clothing is suggested. Fishing the cool waters of our river and surrounding streams can also be done in a pair of lightweight waders or neoprene. By the time July arrives you will notice most of the guides “wet-wading” with lightweight fishing pants and water shoes. This is one of our favorite ways to fish. Often, chest waders may entice the fly fisher to wade as deep as possible, often walking directly through some of the best fish holding areas in the river.
How are the meals?
The meals served at Dome Mountain Lodge are homemade fresh daily by our professional chef who has created tasty dishes for both our hunters, fishers and other guests. Due to our flexibility we can also accommodate to special dietary needs as well. Many fishers often stop by the main lodge each morning for a full breakfast, fresh hot coffee and lots of fishing talk. Dome Mountain Lodge often serves as the social hang out for local guides and townsfolk who know the area waters extremely well and are always happy to offer advice on fishing everywhere from Yellowstone Park to Belize! Packed lunches are also an added bonus for our guests. These fresh and wholesome lunches can be sandwiches, side dishes and desserts made special each morning. A cool with ice and drinks are also a part of the package.
Are there lots of crowds and heavy fishing pressure?
Unlike many Montana Rivers the Yellowstone is in a class all its own. As you can see by our photos, this incredible river offers very little pressure and often you feel as if you have miles of the river to yourself. Many of the upper stretches of the river are based on a permit system through the United States Forest Service, which places limits on the amounts of outfitters and guides legally allowed on this stretch. Therefore, most often on any given day you will likely only see a few boats here and there. We are very fortunate to be able to share what we believe is one of the finest stretches of the entire Yellowstone River. Upon your arrival you will soon realize there is little reason to spend time driving around “looking” for places to fish when you have the very best just a few steps away.
Are there other things to do at the ranch?
Paradise Valley, Montana as is “Big Sky” as it gets. Fact is, there probably won’t be enough time to do everything you would like to do, and we caution every guest to make some time to sit back and enjoy at least one quiet sunset over the Gallatin Mountains. Yellowstone Park is only minutes away, but keep in mind it is 2.2 million acres, sort of like driving across two states! Oh yeah, did we mention over 10,000 miles of trout waters? We are more than happy to assist you in the entire planning process of your adventure which can include a multitude of adventures.
What about laundry services?
All of our luxury guest homes have full laundry rooms, however the small cabins do not, but a coin operated laundry is located close by for those extended stays.
Internet & Television
Both are available at the main lodge and in some of the main guest houses. Chances are you won’t be spending much time near either, since the whole purpose of your trip is to get away from these things.
Cell Phones
A Verizon tower is located near the ranch and offers good service for those
with this carrier. Phone service is also available in the guest homes
and the main lodge. Fax and copier services are not available unless
specifically requested for business meetings along with other multimedia
equipment.
